This excellent article explains why unplugging from the digital world is actually something that we must do in order not only to keep our sanity, but to allow ourselves to rest and recover!

As a matter of fact, I have been doing that…well kind of. Last year I took a week off from Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and company.

Just this past month I have taken an entire month from blogging (that is why I have been MIA or missing in action) and it feels so good (although I must admit that I do read the comments and get notifications of the activity on site.

More unbelievable as it may seem, I’ve been getting more visits and page views than when I do blog! Isn’t that something?

I decided not too stress so much about having to post from 1 to 3 posts per week and truly focus on writing quality content rather than quantity and I’ve to say thank you for checking in on me and returning to see what I’m up to.

Don’t worry, I’ve plenty to write about and share with you but there is life that must be enjoyed, especially the beautiful season that just started!

Blogging is not just a hobby; it is a passion and its hard work on a daily basis for many of us.

Writing for a group of close friends and family is one thing, but for a broad audience it is completely different!

I don’t know about you but sometimes I do think about the choice of words or topic I write about and wonder if it will be well-received or will it cause a strong reaction or if there will be people who will criticize what we do.

No matter what reasons, Mark Schaefer gives us 5 ways to be more confident in his blog post.

It does take time, practice and just go with the flow. We have to go forward and adapt to any situation that presents itself right?

I will be the first to admit, I really am not a morning person. I have always been a night owl and find that my creativity is activated in the wee hours; it has always been like that since my university days!

I know there are so many benefits of waking up before the sun rises or start the day earlier in order to achieve more things. It truly takes a strong willpower and one has to make it a habit, that’s just what Michael advises in his motivating post.

Starting is just the beginning but keeping the momentum is a challenge but it is feasible!

In her honest blog post, Janet explains why companies, PR reps or social marketers reaching out to us bloggers and looking to promote their prestigious clients or product is not going to pay for our necessities, even less a flight.

It is important for everyone to know that blogging is not a hobby; it involves a lot of research, photo editing, and writing, editing which is time-consuming and is a labor of love.

We have worked many hours, days, nights, weekends in order to grow our readership and followers on social media and that’s precisely what they want to tap into and pass on the “good word” for free while they get paid thousands and companies have no problem trusting them with advertising budgets or strategies.

It was hit home and I too understand the frustration and disrespect some individual have demonstrated time and time again.

My absolute favorite email or request was by this Public Relations Company located in London who wanted me to give free publicity for their highly prestigious airline from the Middle East (the one that offers an apartment in the sky) while offering a simple thank you as payment.

I emailed the lady back explaining that I do not work for free and that if she wanted me to give free promotion to the company, well there had to be a financial compensation in return. I never heard back and I am sure she tried with others who jumped on the occasion (those who take just about anything that is free).

Sadly some people are happy to accept anything that is offered or settle for way less than they deserve. This makes it harder for us to be respected or be considered as people companies can trust or believe in.

I have seen my share bit in the 5 years I have been blogging and worked with some of the best travel companies in the world and they have seen what kind of work I produce, therefore I under promise and over deliver and I’m actually proud of that. I will not lower my standards or compromise my work ethics for any reason and neither should any respectable blogger.

What has been your experience with PR or marketers?

Would you promote a company or product for free?

Giving Credit where credit is due. Why is it so important to give credit to the artist.

This excellent post again highlights or reinforces us, photographers, believe is the golden rule: GIVE CREDIT to the creator of the image!

So much is involved behind the camera that some people truly should learn as much as I can and stop stealing photos, making it theirs or simply not give proper credit. It really is a no brainer!

After learning a lesson in watermarking, I respect other colleague’s original, creative and colorful work even more. I also put an emphasis on the importance of linking back or letting the artist know that their creations are incredible and value their worth, thus I happily share it but follow the rules!

I personally appreciate when someone contacts me and kindly asks for my permission in order to use one of my images say for a project or poster or site as long as they mention my name or link back to my blog or clearly state that the image belongs to me. That’s the right way to do it and as long as it’s not commercial, I’ll say yes 99% of the time!

When in doubt, just ask! It’s much better than stealing or editing an image or don’t measure the consequences that using a photo that belongs to someone and that has rights over it.

What do you think about photography rights?

Have you ever had an experience when you found one or many of your images used by other people without your consent?

This rounds up the Best of the Web for July 2016.

Stay tuned for the next edition next month!

If you have suggestions or recommendations, let me know in the comment section.

About Me

Welcome! I'm Karla, a travel & food blogger and photographer. I aim to educate, inform and entertain thanks to my travels around the world, books, culture, lifestyle and so much more! If you have any questions or wish to work with me, drop me a line: travellersoul76@gmail.com. Enjoy your visit :)